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Rolly’s Syndicate – Little Mullu

Rollys Syndicate are the Warwickshire based band, that are mixing contemporary blues and soul. They are now set to release a new album for the summer. Working together, Milli aids Roland with moving lyrics, whilst Ro’ brings the guitar backing.

You can take a listen to the band on Soundcloud:

Their music has that open air quality you only reall see in the Jazz genre. With great guitar playing and memorable lyrics, the band congregates together; to make a thoroughly enjoyable collection of moving and expressive tracks.

After a long period of co-operation with the band, Milli could no longer commit to the long term vision of the group. However, in honour of the bands history together, the Roland Syndicate decided to dedicate their debut album to Milli and her lyrical talents.

Fortunately, she happily agreed to collaborate on a short term basis. It’s for this reason that most of the lyrics in the album draw their influence from both the bands everyday life and Milli’s personal journey to this point.

The band has now picked a new vocalist from a selection of more than 30 applicants. Her name is Natalie Brown and the band tells us that she is as good as Milli!

Her background includes being the lead vocalist in the original band, StoneSoulUK from February 2006 to October 2013 (writing and performing mainly original material, as well as cover material). Natalie has also lent her vocal talents to the cover band ‘the Bottle’, whilst studying at university (1997-2000). Ontop of all this she has performed at major west midland venues such as The Yardbird, Victoria Square and The Malthouse.

Hungarian born, Roland produced the album as part of achieving a degree at Staffordshire University. He has showcased his talents at many different live gigs such as: The Public (West Bromwich), Hare & Hounds (Birmingham), Bulls Head (Birmingham), Mixing Bowl Theatre (Birmingham). Roland said that he has played many live gigs but for him the biggest event was at the Sziget Festival.

On-top of these live shows, the group has also been featured on the ‘BBC Introducing’ series, played on Radio Warwickshire, Airplay & The Musical Journey show (live), Tweets & web mentions (Clay Lowe/SoulCuzer radio presenter), Radio Plus – Airplay & Live Room Session.

Through the years, Milli and Roland have developed a good understanding of the musical influences they wanted to follow, and thus developed a winning musical chemistry. Roland’s professionalism and creativity seemed to work well with Milli adding her soulful tones, as she is not only a talented vocalist, but also an amazing songwriter with a history in Drama and Literature.

Benny (drummer) & Luke (bass player) were both attracted to the the unique mix of Soul, contemporary Blues and a touch of jazzy elements, they both relate to in their own personal musical backgrounds.

Luke, the bass player in the band was born in Leamington Spa in 1992, picking up his first guitar at the age of 11. It was after watching the video of November Rain that Luke’s hobby turned into a lifelong passion. He has played from many names such as the African Kora players to Art rock bands and anyone else that would give him his next step into the starlight. His talent developed quickly due to dedication and his love to the art.

Benny, the band’s drummer, plays several styles including jazz, rock, blues and funk. He played in jazz trios, big bands, rock and punk bands through the years. He has recently played in the Boogie snakes and the Holly Perkins Bands. Making appearances on many different jam sessions around Oxfordshire. Bennys drum kit is a vintage Yamaha kit from 1973, Yamaha Vintage Series snare, Zildjian cymbals with Evans heads. The drummer says that his influencers are Dennis Chambers, Ed Thigpen and Zsolt Mike.

The Unique combination of styles and influences Rolly’s Syndicate produce demonstrates the colourful background of the group members, Roland’s Passion for blues from a Hungarian Background, Beni’s Amazing talent and vast experience playing with various bands and Luke’s alternative veins and passion for Jazz & World Music.